LIMPOPO – Learners from Hanyani Thomo Secondary School have achieved a major academic milestone after securing second place in the first round of the South African Reserve Bank’s annual Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Schools Challenge, placing them among the top ten schools nationwide out of more than 216 competitors.

The competition, which aims to promote financial literacy and deepen learners’ understanding of monetary policy, requires participants to simulate the Reserve Bank’s MPC decision-making process. In groups of four, learners submit an essay analysing economic factors that influence decisions to adjust interest rates.

Economics teacher Isaac Chauke, who has led the school’s participation in the challenge for the past three years at Hanyani Thomo, said this year marked a breakthrough for their school since they have been trying in the past with no success.

“Over the past two years, we’ve been entering the competition, but we couldn’t reach the stage we’ve now achieved,” said Chauke. “This time, our learners’ essay stood out among the 216 schools from across the country, and we’re very proud of that achievement.”

Chauke explained that the learners had to write an essay exploring the key economic factors the Reserve Bank takes into account when deciding whether to adjust interest rates, such as inflation, economic growth, and global market trends.

“This is more than just a writing competition; it simulates a real-world decision-making panel,” he said, adding that each team must appoint a leader to act as the Reserve Bank Governor, who will present their policy recommendations to an expert panel on August 5.

One of the participating learners, Vukahle Maluleke, who will lead Hanyani Thomo Secondary during the presentation round, expressed excitement about the opportunity.

“I’m very happy because this opens the door for us to earn bursaries and study for free next year if we succeed,” he said. “When it comes to presenting, I’m not worried. I’m confident and ready.”

The winning school in the final round will receive R100 000 in prize money, while each learner and their teacher will walk away with laptops and iPads. More importantly, successful learners will be awarded Reserve Bank bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, and meals, with a guaranteed job at the bank after graduation.

The school’s head of Commercial Studies, Thandi Mabunda, praised the team’s achievement and the dedication of the teaching staff.

“I only joined the school last September, but what impressed me most was how hard the teachers worked even before there was a head of department,” she said.

“Last year, they didn’t make it to the top ten, but they returned with Reserve Bank school bags as a token. This year, they’ve gone beyond.” Mabunda added that the department is committed not only to academic competitions but also to delivering excellent results. Our vision is to see every Commercial Studies student employed after graduation. We don’t want to see them unemployed on the streets. That’s why initiatives like this are so important; they open doors to a brighter future,” she added.